. >> michelle obama honestly inspires me to work out my arms because she has such a great body. she is a role model for a lot of women who look up to her. >> she's always dressed very classy. >> reporter: one iconic name that's not in the first lady's closet, oscar de la renta. his fashions have been worn by first ladies, including nancy reagan, hillary clinton, and laura bush. when he was asked in mexico city over the weekend why michelle obama hasn't worn his work, he answered candidly, blaming himself for saying stupid things. >> a relation that started off poorly, well, i don't think will end any differently. >> reporter: in 2009, oscar de la renta criticized mrs. obama for wearing a cardigan when she went to buckingham palace, heeds on more criticism when she wore this dress for alexander mcqueen, a european designer for a state dinner. oscar de la renta did have high praise for the first lady, calling her an extraordinary woman and says she represents her country well. but just as quickly as he praised her, he also seemed to entangle himself in yards of controversy by sugg